Steelers' Mike Tomlin Drops Bold Claim On Broderick Jones Facing Myles Garrett

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready to come out of their bye week with their first AFC North battle. They will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 at Acrisure Stadium, and it will be pivotal for Pittsburgh to start AFC North play on the right foot with a home win. After a 3-1 start to the season, the Steelers are looking to build momentum, and a strong showing against a division rival like Cleveland could set the tone for the rest of the season. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds after the break, especially with several key matchups on the horizon.

One of the biggest matchups to watch will be the Browns’ elite defensive line going up against Pittsburgh’s young and developing offensive line. Cleveland’s front has the ability to disrupt any offense, and the Steelers will need to protect Aaron Rodgers while opening lanes for their running game. Offensive cohesion and timing will be crucial, as the Browns’ pass rushers can change the outcome of a game in an instant. How Pittsburgh handles this pressure could define not just this game, but the early trajectory of their AFC North campaign.

One area of concern for the Steelers is undoubtedly Broderick Jones, who will be tasked with slowing down Myles Garrett for much of the game. Garrett is one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers, and neutralizing him will be critical for Pittsburgh’s success. On Tuesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made some eye-opening comments about Jones facing Garrett, expressing confidence in the young lineman’s ability to hold his own against one of the NFL’s best. Tomlin’s remarks added a sense of intrigue to the matchup, highlighting both the challenge and the potential for Jones to make a statement on a big stage.

"I don't know that it requires conversation," Tomlin said while speaking to members of the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday. "I think that Broderick is not a dummy. He realizes who he's competing against this week. And he's a competitor and a professional. And so I haven't spent any time thinking about how I'm going to talk to or motivate Broderick this week."

On one hand, Tomlin’s sentiments make a lot of sense. He is never going to publicly undermine a player ahead of a critical matchup, and his comments reflect both confidence and leadership. Many Steelers fans are understandably concerned about Jones’ ability or potential inability to hold his ground on the left side against a player of Garrett’s caliber. 

This is a true test for the young offensive lineman and one of the toughest challenges he will face early in his career. If Jones can rise to the occasion and perform at a high level, it could completely change the narrative around him. A strong showing against Garrett would not only validate Tomlin’s faith, but also establish Jones as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line for years to come. 

Steelers' Broderick Jones Has Chance To Win Fans Over

In many ways, this matchup is more than just a game. It is an opportunity for Jones to demonstrate his growth, resilience, and readiness to take on the NFL’s elite defenders. The Steelers traded up to select Jones in the 2023 NFL Draft, and now in his third year, all eyes are on him. 

He was drafted to be a dominant force on the offensive line, but his career so far has been up and down, with some low moments that have tested both him and the fan base. Shutting down Garrett on Sunday would give Jones a real chance to prove himself and win fans over once again.

Do you have confidence in Broderick Jones going up against the Browns' pass rush on Sunday? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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